Making Etiquette Easy: They Want to Pay

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Let's face it, we can't all afford to dine at five star restaurants each night and travel every weekend to an exotic destination. But chances are, we all have friends who seem to indulge themselves a little more every once and a while. When they offer to pay for us to join in the fun, why is it so hard to accept them paying our way? Before you jump to say 'no' on the next evening out with your jet-setting friends, here are a few things to remember:

• They would be thrilled. People love to share fun things with good company. If they frequently have an over-the-top lifestyle, it certainly isn't belittling to welcome you in on their plans and pay for it. Remember that social offers aren't obligatory, they are for fun.
• A simple thanks will do. If they've made it clear they will be paying for the evening/activity, don't try to pull out your wallet or continuously make comments about how you feel you should be paying. Simply say thank you and remember to send a note.
• Real friends are just that. True friends actually want to spend time with you, and money isn't an issue. Consider it to be their version of hospitality, even if yours looks more like a backyard BBQ.